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Greece Opens Bidding Process for National Lottery Concession


Greece Opens Bidding Process for National Lottery Concession
This move introduces a new phase in the oversight of one of the country's most established gambling segments. The forthcoming licence will provide exclusive rights to produce, operate, and promote a group of state lottery products for at least ten years. Among them are the National Lottery (Ethnikó), the Instant State Lottery, the Housing Lottery, and several other long-running draws with a public or social function, including a pan-European draw managed in coordination with AELLE.
The current licence to operate all of these lotteries was granted in 2013 to OPAP's Hellenic Lotteries S.A., in exchange for an upfront payment of €190 million and long-term commitments on revenue contribution. That agreement, which has spanned twelve years, is set to conclude by the end of 2025. While OPAP remains eligible to bid again, the process has been explicitly opened to other entities, including international firms with relevant credentials.
The return of the lottery licence to market comes at a time when OPAP's own business remains firmly anchored in lottery operations, even amid expansion into digital formats. In its most recent quarterly report, OPAP posted gross gaming revenue (GGR) of €595 million—an 8.2% increase from the same quarter last year. Lottery products contributed €207 million of that figure, or just under 35% of the company's total GGR. That segment grew by 5.5% year-on-year, reinforcing its importance despite broader sector diversification.
Despite evolving player preferences and shifts in digital habits, traditional lottery draws continue to represent a significant pillar of Greece's legal gambling sector. For the government, ensuring stability in this space—along with maximising revenue potential—appears central to the current licensing strategy.
It remains to be seen whether OPAP will pursue another long-term agreement. Given its legacy role, infrastructure, and deep integration into Greece's gambling landscape, OPAP may retain an interest. At the same time, the decision to open the bidding process to new applicants suggests that Greek authorities are seeking competitive offers and a refreshed approach to how the lotteries are administered going forward.
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